Chapter 389 – Become My Disciple

How was Su Ming’s talent?

To put it bluntly, it was absolutely prodigious.

Not only had he become an Upper-Rank Professional by the age of eighteen, but he wasn’t just a newly advanced Four-Star Professional either. Instead, he had already progressed a considerable distance along the path of an Upper-Rank Professional, possessing remarkable strength and achievements.

Originally, for an eighteen-year-old youth to become an Upper-Rank Professional was already astonishing enough.

But Su Ming was even more of a prodigy. At that age, he had already caught up with many seasoned veterans. Not only was he a Dual Professional, but both of his professional ranks were impressively high.

An eighteen-year-old Six-Star Hunter?

An eighteen-year-old Five-Star Sorcerer?

Either of these achievements alone would be enough to be regarded as a legend or even a myth by future generations, yet Su Ming had accomplished both.

This level of talent and potential left even Old Ling—who was seen as a true legend by the world—utterly astonished and almost unable to believe it.

So much so that when he first learned of Su Ming’s identity and thoroughly investigated his deeds, even with his decades of cultivated Heart-Nature, Old Ling nearly doubted his own sanity.

What had he been doing at eighteen?

He seemed to have been laboriously practicing low-level Spirit Arts at the Demon Hunter Academy, not even having touched Intermediate Spirit Arts yet.

Because he had embarked on the path of the extraordinary after Awakening his Spirit Constitution, Old Ling’s early life had been very conventional. After being tested for Spirit Constitution at seventeen, he enrolled in the Demon Hunter Academy. At eighteen, he was merely an ordinary second-year student, showing no signs of exceptional talent.

In terms of sorcery, Old Ling’s talent was indeed nothing remarkable. Though he was much better than ordinary Sorcerers, he was only a somewhat gifted student. He didn’t even become an elite student until his third year, barely made it to the top students in his fourth year, and graduated as a Two-Star Sorcerer. Not to mention comparing him to Su Ming, even when compared to Xu Xiayan, who debuted as a Three-Star Sorcerer and graduated at eighteen, Old Ling seemed rather unremarkable.

Because of this, even after all these years, Old Ling remained only a Peak Six-Star Sorcerer, never managing to break into the ranks of Seven-Star Sorcerers—clear proof that his talent in sorcery was not particularly prodigious.

On the other hand, in hunting, after enduring the abysmally low success rate and successfully becoming a Dual Professional with Phantom Demon Bloodline, Old Ling displayed extraordinary talent. By the age of forty, he had become a Seven-Star Hunter, far surpassing his achievements and potential in sorcery.

Thus, this Guardian Deity of humanity only truly began to rise after becoming a Dual Professional and a Hunter. In his youth, he was merely a minor genius who didn’t stand out much.

And Su Ming?

This kid’s achievements far surpassed his own at that age.

At such a young age, he was already a Six-Star Hunter and a Five-Star Sorcerer, proving that his talent and potential were far from exhausted. He had ample time and room to grow.

Old Ling had no doubt that, in the future, this kid would accomplish what even he had failed to achieve: advancing both professions to the Seven-Star rank and becoming a human powerhouse surpassing even himself.Moreover, through his investigation, Old Ling had learned that Su Ming’s right hand had mutated, possessing astonishingly abnormal strength. It had even resonated with a Divine Artifact like the Demon Emperor Sword, causing the sword to merge into his right hand and become one with it.

All of this told Old Ling just how extraordinary this young man named Su Ming truly was.

Old Ling had a feeling.

“If this kid can truly grow up, he will become the strongest human in history.”

Thus, almost immediately after regaining his composure, Old Ling decided to cultivate Su Ming as his successor.

“This is a supreme treasure bestowed upon humanity by heaven.”

Old Ling remained excited about this for a very long time.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have detained Su Ming here for two full days, instead of letting the Azure Mercury members take their Commander back long ago.

Originally, Old Ling had brought Su Ming out of the Midnight Labyrinth for two reasons: first, because of the Demon Emperor Sword, and second, because of Hai’er.

A dangerous Divine Artifact capable of corroding human consciousness and causing loss of control was in Su Ming’s possession. For the sake of Tianfeng City, Old Ling naturally couldn’t ignore its existence.

To make matters more complicated, this person was accompanied by a mysterious woman who didn’t seem entirely human, which further piqued Old Ling’s curiosity and suspicion.

That was why Old Ling had brought Su Ming out of the Midnight Labyrinth – to properly investigate and handle these two matters.

Who would have thought that this investigation would reveal such an enormous surprise waiting for him?

“Listen, kid Su Ming,” Old Ling looked directly at Su Ming and asked, “Become my Disciple.”

This was the reason Old Ling had deliberately waited for Su Ming these past two days.

He wanted to take Su Ming as his Disciple.

He wanted to cultivate Su Ming into a talent.

He wanted Su Ming to become his next Guardian Deity, humanity’s true trump card and Ultimate Weapon.

He believed that as long as Su Ming could grow as expected, inherit all of his Legacy, advance both Professions to Seven-Star level, and combine that with the rumored power of his right hand, even if the true horror species – the King of the Spirit Demon Abyss – were to reappear in this world, humanity would no longer be completely defenseless.

This was Old Ling’s expectation and vision for Su Ming.

The only problem was that this kid might be unwilling.

There was no helping it.

If the intelligence collected by his subordinates wasn’t mistaken, then according to Old Ling’s prediction, this kid would most likely refuse.

Sure enough…

“Isn’t this too sudden?” Su Ming averted his gaze, avoiding Old Ling’s stare, and said, “We’ve only just met. I didn’t even know you existed before this. Your sudden proposal to take me as your Disciple really makes me feel apprehensive.”

At first hearing, these words seemed quite reasonable.

But Old Ling could only smile wryly.

Who was he?

The strongest Professional, an undefeated human powerhouse revered by the world as the Guardian Deity and Ultimate Weapon. In Tianfeng City, he stood at the absolute peak, with no one able to surpass him.

At his level, it wasn’t merely being above ten thousand people while below one – he was truly above hundreds of millions, with no concept of “below one” remaining.

If this were ancient times, someone like Old Ling would be considered the King of humanity.If others were unaware of his identity, that would be one thing. But knowing who he was, and learning that he intended to take them as a disciple—instead of feeling pleasantly surprised, they kept emphasizing how “sudden” and “overwhelming” it was?

This was clearly an attempt to divert the topic, a perfunctory response.

“Young man, you truly are a recluse at heart.”

Indeed.

Old Ling had seen through it—Su Ming had no intention of risking his life for humanity, not even the slightest inclination.

He didn’t even want others to know of his existence or draw any attention.

Otherwise, how could an eighteen-year-old hide such astonishing achievements, completely unwilling to reveal his true strength, letting almost everyone believe he was merely a newly debuted One-Star Sorcerer? Was that normal?

Certainly not!

If it were someone else of the same age, with such talent, potential, strength, and accomplishments, wouldn’t they be eager for the whole world to notice them, impatient to showcase their extraordinary abilities?

But Su Ming? He had concealed himself so deeply. If it wasn’t for ulterior motives, then he genuinely didn’t want to attract attention, be treated differently, or step onto the world stage.

For someone like this, it was no surprise he would refuse the offer to become his disciple.

And that was indeed the case.

Although Old Ling spoke sincerely and earnestly, filled with concern for humanity’s immediate and long-term future, his words carried little weight in Su Ming’s ears.

It wasn’t that he didn’t respect people like Old Ling.

Individuals like Old Ling were undoubtedly heroes, remarkable figures worthy of admiration.

But admiration was one thing—it didn’t mean Su Ming wanted to become like them.

“I am not a hero, nor do I have the interest or courage to become one.”

This had always been Su Ming’s clear self-awareness.

If he truly had the resolve and passion to sacrifice everything for humanity, why would he choose to lie low and develop quietly, unwilling to be discovered by the higher-ups or have his true strength known?

Wasn’t it precisely because he feared being pushed into the spotlight as a hero, expected to fight for humanity’s future, and then forcibly conscripted or morally coerced by the authorities?

Coming from an era of information explosion, Su Ming understood well that true heroes were those who had sacrificed something to earn that title.

If he revealed his extraordinary abilities, what would he sacrifice?

It was simple.

First, his freedom.

Second, his life.

The former was easy to grasp: once the higher-ups took notice of him, for the sake of “humanity’s future,” he would undoubtedly be burdened with one difficult task or commission after another. Even worse, many ambitious individuals and powerful figures would set their sights on him, making a peaceful life utterly impossible.

The latter was even more straightforward: once he truly stepped onto the world stage and had to contend with numerous Phantom Demons, schemers, and powerful figures, how many dangers would he inevitably face?

Even the family and friends he cared about most could be exploited, targeted, or even threatened—something Su Ming absolutely refused to allow.He was actually a very pragmatic and genuine person. It wasn’t that he lacked awareness of being human, nor did he wish to watch humanity suffer in dire straits—he simply refused to treat everyone with equal consideration.

“For all of humanity”—this slogan sounded domineering, powerful, pleasant to the ear, and overwhelmingly righteous. Yet Su Ming truly didn’t believe that every single human was worth his help, let alone his protection.

All along, he had kept a low profile, yet he had still ended up making enemies and clashing with countless people.

He had witnessed many despicable individuals, many who didn’t deserve sympathy.

Not all humans were kind-hearted, and Su Ming was well aware that the majority of people in this world weren’t worth saving or protecting.

Human nature was inherently fragile when tested.

Su Ming had understood this from the very beginning.

So, did they expect him to become a hero and devote himself equally to all of humanity based on some high-sounding rhetoric?

Sorry, but he really couldn’t do it.

Perhaps this was the price of knowing and understanding too much.

Given this, Su Ming would risk his life for his family and friends. But if someone expected him to sacrifice himself for strangers—or even people he might dislike—based on some vague concept, then he could only apologize.

He hadn’t shared these thoughts with Old Ling.

After all, the other man was a true hero, a great figure who dedicated himself to all of humanity. Even if Su Ming didn’t aspire to be like him, he saw no reason to discourage him.

He had to admit that it was precisely because of people like Old Ling that humanity had survived until now—that was an undeniable fact.

In short, Su Ming neither fully agreed nor disagreed with Old Ling’s ideals, but he certainly didn’t reject or deny them.

However…

“I’m really not cut out for that.”

Su Ming phrased it quite diplomatically.

Seeing this, Old Ling fell silent for a long time.

After a long while, Old Ling suddenly spoke.

“What if I don’t ask you to dedicate yourself to humanity, but only to contribute when necessary?”

Old Ling had actually said something like that.

“Contribute when necessary?”

Su Ming frowned.

“Exactly.” Old Ling nodded. “I can understand your perspective.”

“There are indeed many people in this world who aren’t worth saving.”

“However, you can’t deny that if humanity were to perish, those you truly care about would disappear as well.”

“Just like when you intervened as Ming Wang to stop Sin from attacking Longyao City.”

Hearing this, it was Su Ming’s turn to fall silent.

Naturally, he understood this logic.

Back then, he had acted as Ming Wang to stop Sin precisely because he considered that his loved ones and friends couldn’t survive without the protection of Longyao Base City.

Old Ling had clearly investigated this matter and deduced Su Ming’s principles of action.

He wasn’t wrong.

If all of humanity were destroyed, what would be the point of surviving alone?

“I’m not asking you to dedicate yourself to all of humanity—only to act for Tianfeng City and the human world in times of crisis.”

That was what Old Ling said.”If you agree, I will publicly announce that you are my legitimate successor and heir.”

“My Legacy can be yours, my authority and status can be yours as well.”

“With this status and power, I believe you’ll be better positioned to arrange matters for your family, even having Tianfeng City prioritize their protection to ensure their lifelong security.”

Old Ling had laid things out to this extent.

Frankly, compared to the previous high-sounding reasons, Su Ming preferred what Old Ling was proposing now.

After all, he was already exposed. If he truly had Old Ling’s authority and status to safeguard him and could properly arrange matters for his relatives and friends, then this job wasn’t entirely unacceptable.

“By the way.” Old Ling seemed to recall something and suddenly said, “Recently, while investigating your background, I also learned something very important to you.”

With that, Old Ling told Su Ming a piece of news.

Su Ming first froze, then looked astonished, followed by speechlessness, before finally sinking into profound silence, unable to speak for a long time.

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(End of Chapter)